Explanation: The width of the ESZ and type of regulation may vary from protected area to area. However, as a general principle, the width of the ESZ could go up to 10 kms around the protected area.

The purpose of declaring an Eco-Sensitive Zone is to create a buffer zone, where activities will be regulated to protect areas demarcated as Protected Areas.

The ESZ guidelines include a broad list of activities that could be allowed, promoted, regulated or promoted. This is an important checklist for conservationists to keep in mind while identifying threats in ESZs.

4) Which of the following activities are prohibited in eco-sensitive zones?

1) Flying over protected areas in an aircraft2) Commercial use of firewood3) Setting up of hotels and resorts4) Commercial mining5) Setting of saw mills

Explanation: The ESZ guidelines says that activities, including commercial mining, setting of saw mills and industries causing pollution, commercial use of firewood and major hydro-power projects, are prohibited in such areas.

It also prohibits tourism activities like flying over protected areas in an aircraft or hot air balloon, and discharge of effluents and solid waste in natural water bodies or terrestrial areas.

Felling of trees, drastic change in agriculture systems and commercial use of natural water resources, including groundwater harvesting and setting up of hotels and resorts, are the activities regulated in the areas.

Activities permitted in the areas include ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities, rainwater harvesting, organic farming, adoption of green technology and use of renewable energy sources.

5) Which of the following is/are true?

1) India currently imports 100% of Lithium Ion batteries or cells.2) Lithium Ion batteries are used in solar powered devices.

Explanation: India’s first lithium ion battery fabrication facility based on indigenous novel materials for making 4.0 V/14 h standard cells has been established.

The Central Electrochemical Research Institute (CECRI), Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu, has set up the first indigenous Li-ion fabrication facility that has applications in defense, solar powered devices, railways and other high end usages.

This will reduce dependence on imports from China.

China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and some Western countries are the major manufacturers of lithium ion batteries.

Lithium ion batteries are mostly used in mobiles and laptops.

For now, 100 percent of Li-ion batteries or cells are imported. This will change with the manufacturing facility.

The CECRI technology includes solution for a 400 mAh (milliampere hour) battery to power solar lanterns.

The other versions have different user-end capabilities, including heating power tools and those used in firing torpedoes, for which India procures batteries from France.